Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has claimed that a truck driver working for the People’s Renaissance Movement party was arrested and detained in Embu ahead of a political rally in Tharaka Nithi.
Amisi, who is associated with the party, alleged that the driver was arrested on Saturday while preparing to undertake publicity activities for the rally scheduled for Sunday.
According to the MP, the driver was subsequently moved around Embu in unmarked vehicles, while the truck was confiscated by authorities.
In a statement posted on X early Sunday, Amisi claimed the driver had only been released at about 5 am, making it impossible for him to carry out the planned publicity activities in Tharaka Nithi.
“The driver of a truck belonging to People’s Renaissance Movement party was arrested, moved around in unmarked cars within Embu and the truck confiscated,” Amisi said.
“He has just been released now at 5 am, too late to do the publicity it was meant to do yesterday within Tharaka Nithi.”
The MP condemned what he described as the misuse of state power against political opponents, warning that such actions could become a major issue in the run-up to the 2027 General Election.
“This misuse of power in countering political opponents has an end, and it is 2027,” he said.
Amisi claimed the government is using state machinery to frustrate political opponents as political parties intensify their mobilisation efforts across the country.
The allegations come at a time when opposition parties and political leaders have increasingly raised concerns over the conduct of political activities, accusing security agencies and the government of interfering with their meetings and rallies.
The opposition has in recent weeks alleged that arrests, disruption of political meetings and violence have been used to undermine their activities as parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 elections.
However, the police had not issued a statement on the alleged arrest and detention by the time of publication.
It was therefore not immediately clear why the driver was arrested, who ordered his detention or under what circumstances the truck was confiscated.
The alleged incident also comes against the backdrop of a fresh directive by the National Police Service on the conduct of political rallies and processions.
The NPS said it would strictly enforce the provisions of the Public Order Act governing public meetings and processions, regardless of the political affiliation or position of those involved.
In a statement issued on Saturday, September 5, the police said the move was aimed at protecting political gatherings and ensuring the safety of Kenyans amid heightened political activity.
The service reminded organisers of political events that they are required to notify the officer in charge of the area police station between three and 14 days before holding a rally or procession.
